After Array of Opening Sessions, Day 2 of Decisions 2010 to Feature Panel of Users, Assessment of "Microsoft's Clouded Future"

Attendees at the first day of Decisions 2010 were treated to a variety of sessions covering important issues in all four key Microsoft Dynamics applications--from future trends in ERP to maximizing sales with Dynamics CRM to using the cloud for Dynamics NAV to improving security with Dynamics GP.

And they can look forward Thursday to another full day, including a panel of experienced Dynamics users exploring the challenges of Implementing Microsoft Dynamics and consultant-writer Josh Greenbaum examining Dynamics' Clouded Future.

For more information on registering (free) and attending the conference on Thursday, check out this site.

One question to come up at today's session was this: What is the major advantage of Microsoft Dynamics NAV in the cloud?

Interestingly, it doesn't have to do with providing competitive advantage, which has been the big advantage of previous ERP advances over the last decade, argued Vjekoslav Babic, a consultant and MSDynamicsWorld.com columnist, at a Decisions 2010 presentation Wednesday.

No, in his view, the major advantage of Dynamics NAV in the cloud lies less in providing a competitive advantage than in the potential for dramatically reducing ERP expenses.

"The cloud offers no competitive advantage," he told attendees at his session, "The Possibilities for Microsoft Dynamics NAV in the Cloud." "But the cloud is cost effective versus on-premises solutions...Instead of having to make a $2.8 million upfront investment (in software and equipment), the cloud enables you to pay monthly." In other words, the more desirable variable expense versus a fixed expense. "And it's easier to integrate, which boosts usage."

The advantage for user ...